Elon Musk weighed in on the controversial euthanasia of a squirrel that became famous on social media, calling it “deeply wrong.”

Peanut the squirrel – known to his fans as P'Nut or PNUT – was rescued seven years ago by Mark Longo after he saw his mother hit by a car in New York City.

With more than 533,000 followers on Instagram, the unusual pet was seen wearing a cowboy hat, munching on waffles, jumping through hoops and sitting on the 34-year-old conservationist's shoulder.

After a series of anonymous complaints New York's The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut – as well as a raccoon named Fred – from Mr. Longo's home in Pine City on Wednesday.

Both animals were euthanizedthe DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health confirmed Friday.

They said the animals were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies after Peanut bit someone involved in the investigation.

Mr. Longo, who runs a pet squirrel-inspired shelter called P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, said he did not see anyone biting during what he called a “stubborn” and “hours-long” search of his home near the border Pennsylvania.

“Heartless Killing Machine”

Musk, who has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump in the in the run-up to the US electioncommented on the story and took the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration.

On his platform, you might imagine “Obi PNut Kenobi.”

In an earlier response to a question about Musk, he wrote, “The government is a mindless and heartless killing machine.”

Musk, the world's richest man, is using his wealth and influence to campaign on Mr. Trump's behalf, with a particular focus on key swing states.

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In response to another post showing a short video of Mr Longo's wife Daniella playing with Peanut and Fred, with the caption that they were euthanized to check whether they had rabies, Musk wrote: “Deeply wrong .”

The DEC has not yet confirmed whether or not the animals had rabies.

“They took her and just killed her.”

Mr. Longo told the Associated Press this weekend: “Honestly, it still feels kind of surreal that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took away two of the most beloved animals on this planet and didn't even take them under.” quarantined. She.” I took her out of my house and just killed her.

He added: “We will take a stand on how this administration and New York State use their resources.”

He said he had not heard from officers since the raid on his home but indicated they would hear from him soon – adding that the state's decision to seize and euthanize the animals “will not go unheard.” ” become.

Build a sanctuary

Mr Longo posted a short compilation of videos on Instagram on Saturday to his 100,000 followers with the caption: “I'll miss you little man.”

Previously a mechanical engineer, he moved from Connecticut to New York last year, where he founded the P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary with his wife.

It is against New York State law to keep a wild animal such as a squirrel without a license. Mr. Longo said he was aware of this and filed paperwork before the raid to certify that Peanut was an educational animal.

The DEC has not yet responded to requests for comment sent Saturday.